More CCTV, fencing and extra security measures have been pledged to problem areas in south Manchester as part of a drive to crack down on neighbourhood crime.
Rusholme and Moss Side have been hotspots for burglaries of residential and business properties, as well as theft and vehicle crime.
But the city council has secured £432,000 from the government and say the package of measures will ‘make a huge difference’ in reducing these crimes.
Outreach work will also take place with the council hoping to work with the communities to improve public safety and promote better relations between residents and the police.
Local authorities across the UK have been applying for a share of the Home Office’s £25m Safer Street Fund since it was first announced in July 2020.
As part of its funding package, Manchester council will receive the money to install five new CCTV cameras across Rusholme and Moss Side.
Fencing will be built at the rear of premises deemed at risk, while extra measures to strengthen the security of buildings - known as target hardening - are also planned.
They include 200 door cameras and more secure doors, windows and rear fencing at 100 homes.
Residents of both communities will also be able to have their say on the proposed changes, and what more needs to be done to create safer neighbourhoods.
Rusholme councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, executive member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We want our communities to be places where residents can feel safe and secure, which is why this funding is an important step in the right direction.
“By making small but significant changes we will be able to make people feel safe in their homes and businesses, whilst creating a deterrent against any criminal behaviour.
“The root causes of crime can be complex but that does not mean as a Council we can’t take action to prevent it, and allow our communities to prosper.”
Baroness Beverley Hughes, the deputy mayor for policing in Greater Manchester, added: “With the help of the Safer Streets Fund we can continue with our efforts in delivering crime reduction activities and strengthen our communities to ensure they remain safe.
“Crimes that blight our communities such as burglary, theft and vehicle crime can have a real detrimental effect on victims.
“Small measures such as the installation of CCTV cameras can make a huge difference in reducing these crimes.”
